The searing back pain came out of nowhere. You crumpled over in agony unable to move. Your doctor thinks you may have injured your disc. Many times it happens with the simplistic of movements, such as bending over to tie a shoe, sneezing, picking up a child or even just getting out of the car!
What is a herniated disc? How do they diagnose a herniated disc? Can a herniated disc heal on its own? What are the treatment options for a herniated disc? How can a herniated disc be treated naturally? Is it even possible to heal a bulging disc naturally?
Yes, natural treatments can alleviate the symptoms associated with a herniated disc and promote the healing of the injury. Let’s dig in.
How A Herniated Disc Causes Pain
The spine is composed of boney building blocks called vertebral bodies. They are numbered, and their specific location is noted by one of three letters: Cervical, Thoracic, or Lumbar.
Sandwiched between the vertebral bodies are shock absorbers called discs. A disc has two principal parts: the jelly-like inside called the nucleus pulposus and the tough outer layer called annulus fibrosus (1).
A herniated disc can cause pain through several mechanisms:
- Nerve Compression: The herniated disc can put pressure on nearby nerves in the spinal column, leading to pain. The nerves may become irritated or inflamed, resulting in pain that can radiate along the path of the affected nerve.
For example, if a disc in the lower back is herniated and compresses the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain that radiates down the leg, a condition known as sciatica.
- Inflammation: The herniation of the disc can trigger an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues. Inflammation can contribute to pain and discomfort by sensitizing the nerves in the area and increasing the sensitivity to pain signals.
- Chemical Irritation: When the inner gel-like material of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus, leaks out through the outer layer, it can come into contact with nearby nerves and cause irritation. The leaked material contains inflammatory substances that can further aggravate the nerves and contribute to pain.
- Muscle Spasms: The body’s response to pain and injury can involve muscle spasms. When a herniated disc irritates the nerves, the muscles around the affected area may contract or go into spasm as a protective mechanism. These spasms can cause additional pain and stiffness.
The severity and location of the pain can vary depending on the specific disc herniation and the nerves affected. Some people may experience mild discomfort, while others may have severe, debilitating pain.
Symptoms Of Herniated Disc Pain
A disc herniation is when the jelly-like inside ruptures through the tough outer wall (2). Think of it like a pimple that has popped. The ruptured material is highly inflammatory and can cause:
- Severe irritation and swelling in the area of the herniated disc (localized pain)
- Place pressure on a spinal nerve causing pain to radiate down the arm or leg (radicular)
The symptoms of herniated disc pain can vary depending on the location and the extent of the herniation. Here are some common symptoms:
- Back or Neck Pain: Pain is a common symptom of a herniated disc. The pain may be localized to the area of the herniation (such as the lower back or neck) and can vary in intensity from mild to severe. The pain may worsen with certain movements or positions.
- Radicular Pain: This is a sharp, shooting pain that radiates along the path of the affected nerve. For example, if a disc herniation occurs in the lower back, it can cause pain that travels down the leg (sciatica). If it occurs in the neck, it can cause pain that radiates down the arm.
- Numbness or Tingling: Herniated discs can compress nerves, leading to sensations of numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the area supplied by the affected nerve. This can occur in the back, neck, arms, or legs depending on the location of the herniation.
- Muscle Weakness: If the nerves that control muscle function are compressed, it can lead to muscle weakness. For instance, a herniated disc in the lower back can cause weakness in the leg or foot. Weakness may affect your ability to lift or hold objects, walk, or perform other physical activities.
- Loss of Reflexes: In some cases, herniated discs can affect the reflexes controlled by the nerves. Your healthcare provider may check for changes in reflexes as part of the examination.
Causes Of Herniated Discs
Herniated discs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Age-related Degeneration: The most common cause of herniated discs is the natural aging process. As people age, the discs in our spine lose water content. This makes them less flexible and more prone to damage. The outer layer of the disc (annulus fibrosus) may become weaker and more susceptible to herniation.
- Wear and Tear: Repeated stress or strain on the spine due to certain activities or occupations can contribute to disc herniation. Jobs that involve heavy lifting, bending, twisting, or prolonged sitting can increase the risk.
- Improper Lifting Techniques: Lifting heavy objects with incorrect form, such as bending at the waist instead of using the legs, can put excessive pressure on the discs and lead to herniation.
- Trauma or Injury: A sudden injury or trauma, such as a fall or car accident, can cause a disc to herniate. The forceful impact or twisting motion can put excessive pressure on the disc, leading to its rupture or bulging.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing herniated discs. Certain inherited traits, such as the structure and composition of the discs, may increase the risk.
- Excess Body Weight: Being overweight or obese can put extra stress on the spine and increase the risk of disc herniation.
Can A Herniated Disc Heal On Its Own?
Despite what a surgeon may advise you, the answer is YES. Lumbar discs healing on their own is well documented using MRI (9). The medical term for this is a regression which references a resolution or reduction of the disc herniation. The healing may be partial or complete.
The largest obstacle to healing spinal injuries is the poor blood supply. Blood flow is critical to healing as it brings important nutrients and healing proteins to the area of injury.
How and why regression occurs is not fully understood. The three most popular theories are:
- The herniated disc becomes dehydrated and shrinks in size (10).
- Tension from the adjacent ligament (PLL) forces the herniated disc back into place (9).
- The herniated disc is absorbed by the body (11).
At-Home Treatments For Herniated Disc Pain
How do you heal a herniated disc naturally? Here are some at-home treatments for herniated disc pain that can influence the likelihood of natural healing:
Rest
Avoid activities that worsen your symptoms and allow your body to rest and heal. However, it’s also important to stay moderately active to prevent muscle weakness and stiffness.
Light Exercise
A physical therapist can provide specific exercises and stretches to help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility, and relieve pain. Mind-body techniques such as tai chi and meditation may help improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
Correct Posture And Ergonomics
Maintaining good posture and using proper body mechanics when lifting, bending, and sitting can help reduce strain on your back and prevent further injury. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress on your spine and potentially alleviate symptoms.
Nutritional Supplements
Inflammation can cause significant problems and delay recovery. A recent study looked at 100 patients with low back disc herniations and followed them for one year (12). Those with elevated inflammation markers (IL-6) were approximately 3.5 x less likely to recover that year.
Good quality fish oil and turmeric are safe, effective anti-inflammatory agents. NSAID medications like Motrin, Aleve, and Celebrex are toxic to stem cells and associated with a higher risk of sudden death and heart attack. NSAIDs, therefore, should be avoided.
When To See A Doctor About Your Herniated Disc
You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience symptoms that suggest a herniated disc or if you have persistent or worsening back or neck pain. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to seek medical attention:
- Severe Pain: If you have intense, debilitating pain that interferes with your daily activities, it’s important to consult a doctor.
- Pain that Radiates: If you experience pain that radiates down your leg(s) or arm(s), especially if it’s accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, it may indicate nerve compression and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: If you experience sudden or progressive loss of control over urination or bowel movements, it could indicate a serious condition known as cauda equina syndrome. This is a medical emergency, and immediate medical attention is necessary.
- Progressive Symptoms: If your symptoms are progressively worsening over time, or if you have tried conservative measures such as rest, over-the-counter pain medication, or physical therapy, and your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to see a doctor.
- Difficulty with Daily Activities: If your herniated disc symptoms interfere with your ability to perform everyday tasks, such as walking, standing, lifting, or working, it’s important to seek medical advice.
- History of Spine Problems: If you have a history of spine issues or have previously been diagnosed with a herniated disc, and you develop new or recurrent symptoms, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Treatments For Herniated Disc In Conventional Medicine
The treatment options for herniated discs can vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the location of the herniation, and individual factors. Here are some common treatments that healthcare professionals may consider:
Medication
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help reduce pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling associated with a herniated disc. Stronger prescription-strength NSAIDs may be recommended for more severe pain. BUT these medications are only to be used short-term and not chronically. Longterm use can actually do the opposite and delay healing of the disc and even make it worse.
In some cases, a short course of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. These medications are typically used for a limited period due to potential side effects. While these steroids can give temporary pain relief, they are not indicated for repetitive treatments or longterm – this is because we know they are neurotoxic and actually inhibit healing as well as other side effects such as
- Bone demineralization (weaken bones)
- Shut off the hormones
- Elevate blood sugars
Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) or methocarbamol (Robaxin) may be prescribed to relieve muscle spasms associated with a herniated disc. These medications can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
In cases of severe pain that is not adequately managed by other medications, opioid analgesics may be prescribed for a short duration. However, due to the potential for dependence and side effects, opioids are typically used cautiously and under close medical supervision.
Certain medications specifically target nerve-related pain. These may include medications like gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica), which help alleviate nerve pain and reduce symptoms such as burning, tingling, or shooting pain.
Physical Therapy
When appropriate, physical therapy is the first-line treatment. The focus is on mobilization, neutral spinal alignment, and core stabilization. A physical therapist may also use techniques like manual therapy or traction to reduce pressure on the herniated disc.
Some common physical therapy approaches for herniated discs include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and traction.
- Manual Therapy: This involves hands-on techniques applied by the physical therapist to manipulate and mobilize the spine. It can include joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and stretching exercises to help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and restore proper spinal alignment.
- Therapeutic exercises: The physical therapist will prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, including the core, back, and leg muscles.
These exercises can improve stability, flexibility, and posture, and help alleviate pressure on the herniated disc. Examples may include gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, and low-impact aerobic exercises. - Traction: Traction therapy involves the application of gentle pulling forces to the spine. It aims to create space between the vertebrae, reduce pressure on the discs, and alleviate pain associated with a herniated disc.
Chiropractic Treatments
Chiropractic treatments are sometimes used as a conservative approach to managing herniated discs.
While chiropractic care may provide symptomatic relief for some individuals with herniated discs, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary among individuals, and scientific evidence on their long-term benefits is limited.
They commonly use spinal manipulation techniques to apply controlled, sudden force to the spine, with the goal of improving spinal alignment, reducing pain, and promoting healing. However, direct manipulation of the herniated disc itself is not possible.
Surgery
When conservative therapy fails surgery is often recommended. There are a number of different types of back surgery for disc herniations. All accomplish the same thing which is cutting out the herniated disc. This procedure is called a discectomy. There are different surgical approaches that differ in invasiveness.
Open discectomy cuts through the low back muscles and has many different problems including killing off important spinal stabilizing muscles. The newer approaches are minimally invasive and utilize small cameras and instruments. The procedures work the same as far as outcomes and complications, but the minimally invasive procedure has a quicker recovery time (13).
Other surgical procedures include microdiscectomy and spinal fusion. Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive version of discectomy, where a smaller incision and specialized tools are used. It aims to minimize tissue damage and facilitate a quicker recovery.
In some instances, when there is significant instability in the spine or multiple discs are affected, spinal fusion surgery may be considered. It involves fusing two or more vertebrae together and stabilizing the spine.
Unfortunately for patients, the failure rate of spinal surgery ranges from 10-50% (14-16). This means the patients were classified as having continued low back or leg pain or new disabling symptoms after the surgery which is called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.
To learn how to avoid failed back surgery syndrome please see my previous blog. Given the issues with back surgery for disc herniations, the important question becomes how to heal a herniated disc naturally.
An Alternative To Surgery For Treating A Herniated Disc
How can you heal a bulging disc naturally without surgery? Is there an alternative? PRP is an effective treatment option for herniated discs. PRP is rich in growth factors that increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and stimulate disc repair.
Recall that most structures in the spine have little or poor blood flow. This poor blood flow in turn makes healing and repair difficult. PRP injections can overcome this issue as the growth factors can increase the blood flow to the herniated disc.
PRP involves extracting a sample of the patient’s blood and processing it to concentrate the platelets. This platelet-rich concentrate is injected into the affected area. Platelets contain growth factors that may promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. To learn more about PRP please click on the video below.
Other regenerative therapies include stem cell therapy and growth factor therapy. Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, including those found in intervertebral discs.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), derived from sources such as bone marrow or adipose tissue, can be injected into the affected disc to potentially promote healing and tissue regeneration.
In growth factor therapy, growth factors which are proteins that regulate cell growth and division are used. Injections of specific growth factors may stimulate tissue repair and regeneration in herniated discs.
You Too Can Heal Your Herniated Disc Naturally
At Centeno Schultz, our board-certified doctors use the latest medical innovations to promote the natural healing of herniated discs. This is done through various regenerative therapies. At CSC, we are at the forefront of making regenerative medicine readily available to our patients with herniated discs instead of surgery.
There’s always a non-surgical solution for your back pain. Make an appointment with us today!
